Part 1, Chapter 48 Summary

The discussion between the curate and the canon continues. It serves as a vehicle for Cervantes' views on chivalric books as well as current drama and comedies. A number of current plays of the time are mentioned, especially in footnote. The curate denounces plays, saying, "For although drama...should be a mirror of human life, a pattern of manners, and an image of truth, the plays that are staged nowadays are mirrors of absurdity, patterns of folly, and images of lewdness." Eventually, they reach the place where the barber recommended they stop to rest and water their animals. Sancho takes an opportunity to inform Quixote that two of his captors are in fact the curate and the barber, which Quixote chalks up to enchantment. The chapter ends with a rather comical discussion of Quixote's need to use the bathroom.